Types of Pumpkin Seeds

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Types of Pumpkin Seeds

Overview

Many varieties of pumpkin seeds are available today that produce an array of pumpkins, including miniature, ornate, oversized, prize-winning and pumpkins produced strictly for canning.

History

While the origin of the pumpkin seed is unclear, evidence of the first varieties was found in Mexico that dated back to 5500 B.C.

Geography

Seeds producing the large pumpkins generally used for carving and the sweet meaty varieties used for pies and canning are most prominent in the United States and Mexico. Seeds that produce more unique and ornate varieties of pumpkins such as those with a blue skin are grown throughout the world in places such as Brazil, France, Nigeria and India.

Function

Pumpkin seeds serve as a food source in two ways: as pumpkins they produce and roasted seeds.

Types

Pumpkin seeds are available in four main types, the most popular being Cucurbita Pepo as this variety includes the seeds for the pumpkins used in pies and jack-o-lanterns. Seeds that produce giant pumpkins are Cucurbita Maxima. Pumpkins that are unique in size, shape and color often come from Cucurbita Mixta. An ideal pumpkin for canning comes from Cucurbita Moschata seeds.

Characteristics

The size, shape and color of pumpkin seeds varies depending on the type. Seeds can be small and pale in color or large and almost red in tint.

References

Minor Edible Oil Crops

Pumpkins and More

All About Pumpkins

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pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed types, pumpkin types

About this Author

A Central Florida native, Paisley Parmer is a freelance writer of online articles, blog posts, Web content and more, working through companies like Demand and Elance. Writing as a professional freelancer since January 2009, Parmer enjoys researching new topics to provide content for sites such as eHow and GolfLink.